This is a controversial question. Tooth decay is a public health problem affecting many adults and children. But the need for community water to be fluoridated is debated.[1] There is evidence from observational research including 44,268 participants that fluoridation reduces levels of tooth decay and caries in children, compared to no fluoridation, by up to 35%. Fluoridation is linked with 15% more children with no decay in baby teeth and 14% more children with no decay in permanent teeth. However, most of this research is from before widespread use of fluoride toothpaste.[2] There is not enough evidence to know what would occur if fluoridation were removed in the present day.
Should community water be fluoridated?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
The question of whether community water should be fluoridated is a topic of debate. Evidence suggests that fluoridation can reduce tooth decay in children by up to 35%, but much of the supporting research predates the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste, and there is insufficient evidence to determine the effects of removing fluoridation.